The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine strain has been rated at 20 percent since January 28, 2010. The rating is granted as the disability does not meet criteria for a higher evaluation based on forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less or favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the Veteran's lumbar spine strain did not result in forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less, and there was no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis. The disability also does not meet criteria for intervertebral disc syndrome (IDS) based on incapacitating episodes.
- Claimed conditions
- Low back disability, Left lower extremity sciatica
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- February 14, 2014
- Citation
- 1406663
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 1406663.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and an increased rating for his acquired psychiatric disorder. The Board found that there was no evidence linking the current disabilities to military service.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected low back disability alone does not prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and bilateral hip disability, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased disability evaluation and effective dates are being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to address the severity of his low back disability, including whether he has experienced incapacitating episodes of IVDS.
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